Carroll eager for Hammers return

25 February 2014 03:01

Viewed : 199

Striker Andy Carroll intends to earn his place back in the West Ham team following a three-match suspension as he eyes an England recall.

Carroll, 25, saw his return from a frustrating foot injury lay-off checked following a red card against Swansea on February 1, his ban upheld at independent arbitration panel which backed the Football Association's disciplinary appeals process.

In Carroll's absence, Sam Allardyce's side have won three successive matches to extend an unbeaten run to five games, and in the process have pulled clear of the relegation zone and up to 10th place.

Carroll will be available again for Saturday's trip to Everton, but is taking nothing for granted.

"The sending-off has happened and I was annoyed at the time with missing games, which was not what I wanted after the season that I've had, but I'm over it now," Carroll said on the club's official website, www.whufc.com.

"I just need to focus on playing the games now and getting back in the team and playing games.

"I have just got to work hard in training, because that is all I can do. At the end of the day, the manager picks the team."

Carroll last featured for England in the 5-0 World Cup qualifying win over San Marino at Wembley in October 2012.

However, the 6ft 3in former Newcastle and Liverpool frontman is determined to become part of Roy Hodgson's plans for Brazil this summer, having been tipped for a recall to the international squad in next week's friendly against Denmark.

"I have definitely not given up on the England squad and I never will do," he said.